It's not the start we wanted, but are the Blades’ four losses in a row the results we deserve? Sam, David and Riley assess performances after four games. This is why we started the Formline: to analyse games in bunches to try and spot trends. Unfortunately, the most obvious trend is downwards. But can we find crumbs of comfort? Look hard enough, and just maybe we can…

Sheffield United Season Preview | After a pre-season packed with thumping wins, kit launches, and a beautiful own goal, the Championship is back – and so is The Pinch. David, Sam, and Riley kick off their two-part season preview with a detailed look at United’s pre-season results, tactical shifts under new management, and which players are catching the eye. From rising stars like Ryan One to debates on transfer rumours and expectations, this episode sets the tone for a fascinating season ahead.

On this episode of The Pinch, we dig into a sacking that speaks volumes. We reflect on Wilder’s legacy, question the timing of his exit, and try to make sense of an ownership group with bold ideas, a clear disdain for sentiment, and a recruitment model powered by algorithms… or is it?

What does Brexit have to do with Sheffield United’s next signing? Quite a lot, actually. In this episode of The Pinch, we unpack the hidden world of football visas with analyst Andy Watson, revealing how the right knowledge of GBE and ESC rules can give clubs like United a massive recruitment edge. Packed with examples, past missteps, and future targets, this one’s a must-listen for any fan who wants to know how the transfer game really works.

Timestamps:

00:03:00 – Andy Watson’s journey from maths teacher to GBE guru

00:08:30 – What GBE and ESC mean in a post-Brexit football world

00:27:00 – How Sheffield United are already using ESC slots

00:35:00 – Transfer targets for the Blades

Welcome to The Pinch Podcast, where heartbreak meets hard truths. In this post-play-off special, we confront the gut-punch of Wembley defeat and explore the real lessons from Sheffield United’s 2024/25 season. From Chris Wilder’s risk-averse tactics and missed attacking fluidity, to urgent calls for smarter recruitment and a proactive board, we break down what went right, what should change, and why the board shouldn’t press the panic button.

In this special play-off final edition of The Formline, Sam and Riley step in to assess Sheffield United’s chances at Wembley after a dominant semi-final showing. With Sunderland pulling off a dramatic turnaround of their own, it’s set to be a clash packed with nerves, history, and high stakes—the richest game in football and that big white arch awaits.

With the Blades back in the mix and the stakes sky-high, we’re joined by EFL expert and Not The Top 20 co-host George Elek to break it all down. NTT20 LIVE IN SHEFFIELD: Alongside Not The Top 20 co-host Ali Maxwell, he will be playing live at the Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, at the Crucible! This is happening on Saturday 5 July, kicking off at 3pm. You can book tickets here: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/book/instance/822201